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John Dillon letter to Thomas Rotch, Zanesville 9 mo 3d 1817

Page 1

B-47-2
Zanesville 9 mo 3d 1817
Thomas Rotch
Esteemed friend
Thine dated 14th 7 mo past came
duly to hand, that part which required a reply respecting the
Blacks, being a subject of no inconsiderable importance, and
requiring some thought is the only apology I have of offer
for my long silence -
I have made some attempts to collect the opinion
of friends in this neighbourhood on this very interesting
Subject, without satisfactorily effecting it - they being very
different one from the other.
Therefore I only say for myself that I feel
a very great delicacy in soliciting the legislature for
any mitigation of past acts, fearing a convention
might grow out of it. That possible might terminate
in the admission of Slavery to this State.
I am convinced that the objectionable part of the law
respecting the people of colour was not intended to be enforced
indiscriminately, neither has it been done in a single instance

B-47-2
Zanesville 9 mo 3d 1817
Thomas Rotch
Esteemed friend
Thine dated 14th 7 mo past came
duly to hand, that part which required a reply respecting the
Blacks, being a subject of no inconsiderable importance, and
requiring some thought is the only apology I have of offer
for my long silence -
I have made some attempts to collect the opinion
of friends in this neighbourhood on this very interesting
Subject, without satisfactorily effecting it - they being very
different one from the other.
Therefore I only say for myself that I feel
a very great delicacy in soliciting the legislature for
any mitigation of past acts, fearing a convention
might grow out of it. That possible might terminate
in the admission of Slavery to this State.
I am convinced that the objectionable part of the law
respecting the people of colour was not intended to be enforced
indiscriminately, neither has it been done in a single instance